The event brought together experts, historians, diplomats, and analysts. Participants discussed the losses inflicted on the Ukrainian agricultural sector and how it affects world hunger. They also analyzed historical parallels regarding Russia’s use of food as a weapon, both in contemporary times and during the Holodomor.
According to the research, more than 5 million hectares of arable land in Ukraine remain unused due to the conflict with Russia. Overall, since February 24, Ukraine has lost 19.3% of its sown areas.
The most serious issues for the agricultural sector include landmines in the territories, a lack of water for irrigation due to the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam, restricted exports through Ukrainian ports, as well as the destruction of infrastructure and equipment.
The largest share of losses in the agricultural sector during the first year of the war was attributed to the destruction, damage, and theft of agricultural machinery, with estimated losses exceeding $4.7 billion. In the second place were the destruction and theft of agricultural products, including grain, which the enemy successfully traded by transporting it through the Black Sea, Bosporus to Syria and Iran.
“On the occupied territories, there is nothing left to steal, as agricultural enterprises are not functioning properly. Russia openly declares that it is taking this grain, as claimed by their so-called representatives in the local authorities, who are essentially raiders: they simply come to the enterprises and take away the grain. Our farmers will not be able to work in such conditions”,
— said Ilya Neskhodovskyi, Head of the analytical department, ANTS Network.
Based on the findings of the study, significant damage has also been inflicted on Ukrainian agricultural infrastructure. The total capacity of destroyed Ukrainian grain storage facilities is 8.2 million tons, with 3.25 million tons damaged for simultaneous storage. The estimated cost of their restoration is $1.33 billion.
It is crucial to understand how Russia’s actions impact global food security. From the early days of the full-scale Russian invasion, Russia blocked Ukrainian ports and manipulated the grain corridor, turning food into a weapon and blackmailing the world with the threat of famine.
This is not the first time Russia has used food as a weapon. Ukraine experienced this horrifying practice 90 years ago during the artificial famine known as the Holodomor.
“The causes of the Holodomor were rooted in the customary practice of Russia to subjugate occupied territories. Ukraine posed significant resistance, and it was necessary to break this fierce opposition to ensure that Ukraine was fully under Moscow’s control.”
— shared the thoughts Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor, Head of the Department of Historical Research of the Holodomor Research Institute Dmytro Bilyi.
According to the participants of the discussion, Russia is and has been a threat to global food security. Only the complete victory of Ukraine can stop this threat.
The research was commissioned by “BARVA INVEST” for the International Centre for Ukrainian Victory and ANTS – National Interests Advocacy Network.
You can watch the research presentation in Ukrainian by following the link.
Additionally, you can familiarize yourself with the research text in both Ukrainian and English here.